History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 95

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 95

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The grocery, crockery and queensware business now conducted by Squire Logs- don & Son, was established in the year 1879, by the gentleman who is now the

head of the firm. In connection with different parties, he has been in the busi- ness ever since. In 1882, his son Elmer became associated with him in the busi- ness. They carry a $6,000 stock of goods and have a very large trade, which keeps constantly increasing.

Squire Logsdon, of the aforementioned firm, is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Madison county, on the 5th day of January, 1838. When our sub- ject was six years of age, his parents re- moved to Illinois, and settled in Brown county, where he received his education and was reared on a farm. He was there united in marriage with Mary A. Mob- ley, on the 25th of April, 1856. In 1870, Squire Logsdon and family removed to Illinois, and located near Prairie City, McDonough county, where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1878, in which year he removed to Bushnell and estab- lished himself in the tile manufacturing business. This he continued for one year, and then engaged in the grocery trade, as heretofore mentioned. Mr. Logsdon is now one of the leading mer- chants of Bushnell, and has built up a reputation for fair and honorable deal- ing, of which he may justly feel proud. He is a member of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, as well as of the Knights of Labor. Mr. and Mrs. Logs- don are the parents of four children- Elmer, Belle, Ruth and Lulu.

In February, 1879, Alexander and Haines established a furniture store in Bushnell, which they operated until Aug- ust, 1883, when Mr. Alexander disposed of his interest to Mr. Tainter, and the firm of Haines & Tainter was formed. They carried a large stock of furniture,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

that invoiced about $5,000, and did a large trade in this line. They were, also, the leaders in the undertaking line, in this section of the country. In April, 1885, the business was disposed of to Dean, Fisk & Co., who continue the same.

Oblander Rrothers, furniture dealers, succeeded J. F. Cowgill, in 1869, and have been in trade ever since. They carry a stock of about $5,000.

In the hardware line, the first institu- tion devoted to it exclusively, was opened by E. P. Kinney & Co., during the year 1857.

Elliott & Brewster, in August, 1884, came from Ellwood, Peoria county, and opened a stock of about $8,000 worth of hardware and furniture. The firm con- sists of T. E. Elliott & G. A. Brewster.

The pioneer drug store of Bushnell, was opened by B. F. Pinkley, in the fall of 1856, in the building now occupied by Mr. Craig, as a cigar manufactory. Prior to this, drugs had been sold by the gen- eral store of James Cole, but this was the first devoted to this line exclusively.

Albert S. Clarke & Co., are engaged in the sale of drugs. This establishment was initiated in 1857, by the senior part- ner, who was a practicing physician.

Among the dealers in drugs, paints, oils and wall paper in Bushnell, are the firm of Zook & Johnson, who commenced business in March, 1876, as the succes- sors of J. B. Bell. They carry a stock of about $4,000, and own the brick store occupied by them, which is 20x60 feet in size, two stories high.

Joseph Katsenstein came to Bushnell, in 1875, and formed one of the firm of West, Kaiser & Co., as has been already

related. In February, 1885, he dissolved connection with the Kaiser's, and con- tinued the clothing department lately carried on by the late firm. He carries about $15,000 worth of goods, and does a good trade.

The first to engage in the lumber trade, was Dickhut & Meisser, of Quincy, in the early part of 1856. They carried an immense stock, one of the largest ever in the county. They operated the same four or five years.

J. C. and A. W. Miner, who were among the early pioneers in the lumber trade in this town, engaged in the sale of agricultural implements and machin- ery, in April, 1856, which they continued until the breaking out of the war, when the business was suspended, they both entering the service. In 1865, J. C. Miner, on his return engaged in this business which he has continued ever since. He occupies a large brick build- ing erected by him in 1882, which is 50x190 feet in size.

E. D. C. Haines, dealer in lumber, lath and other building material, began this business here in the fall of 1865. In January, 1866, he sold out his stock of lumber and purchased an interest in another yard, then run by Alexander & Mills, when the style of the firm was changed to Alexander & Haines. It so remained until January, 1882, when Mr. Haines purchased the interest of his partner, and has continued alone ever since. He carries a stock of about $6,000 and is the leading merchant in this line. He is, also, a member of the firm of Haines and Tainter.

E. D. C. Haines, lumber merchant, and also a member of the firm of Haines

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

& Tainter, dealers in furniture and un- dertakers goods, is a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and was born on the 28th of January, 1822. His parents, William E., and Maria (Cheyney) Haines, were also native Pennsylvani- ans, the former of Lycoming county, and the latter of Chester county. Young Haines was reared and educated in his native county, where he worked on a farm during the summer months, and taught school through the winters, until March, 1851, at which time he came to McDonough county, and settled on section 17, Eldorado township, where he farmed until 1864, then coming to Bush- nell and engaging in the grocery trade for one year. He then engaged in the lumber business, which he has ever since continued, now being the leading dealer in that line in Bushnell. In ad- dition to this business, in February, 1879, he established, in connection with Mr. Alexander, the furniture and under- taking house in which he is still inter- ested, with Mr. Tainter as a partner, he having bought out the interest of Mr. Alexander. During the early period of his life, Mr. Haines imbibed those hab- its of sturdy industry, and inflexible in- tegrity that have since marked his busi- ness career. In addition to his other business, he is a member of the Bush- nell Creamery company, and is the pos- sessor of 160 acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. He has been quite active in township and city affairs, having been a member of the city council several terms, a supervisor of this township one year, and justice of the peace of Eldorado township several years. Margaret Bailey, a native Vir-

ginian, and the daughter of E. Bailey, of Fulton county, Illinois, became the wife of Mr. Haines, in June, 1854. As a result of this union, they have four children living-Ella E., Emma C., Wil- liam E., and Winifred E. Mr. Haines is a member of the Buslinell lodge of the I. O. O. F.

Brown & Son, began the lumber busi- ness here in February, 1882, with a new stock of lumber. The firm is composed of William Brown and his son Oscar. They carry about $3,000 worth of stock.

M. L. Walker, the leading jeweler of the town, began business here in 1872, since which time he has been identified with the business interests of the town. He occupies part of the room with W. J. Frisbie, druggist, and carries about $3,- 500 worth of stock.

Rogers Brothers, dealers in musical in- struments, sewing machines, sheet music, etc. This firm succeeded J. S. Perrine & Co., which was one of Bushnell's old business firms. In November, 1883, J. S. Rogers became a member of that firm, and January 1, 1885, A. B. Rogers bought the interest of Mr. Perrine, the firm name tlien being changed to Rogers Brothers. They occupy a store room one door east of the postoffice, and are the most extensive dealers in their lines in the county, carrying a stock valued at over $2,500. The store room in which they carry on their business is 24x60 feet in dimensions.

John S. Rogers, the senior member of this firm, is a native of Harrison county, Ohio, having been born there on the 18th day of December, 1853. He received his education and was reared in his native county, where, after reaching a suitable

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

age, he engaged in farming, which he followed until attaining his majority, and then entered mercantile life as a clerk, at Smyrna, Ohio. In 1878, he came to Mc- Donough county, and located at Adair, where he remained until 1880, then go- ing to Bardolph, where he worked at the potter's trade. In September, 1882, he engaged with Perrine & Co., as a clerk, and later became a member of the firm, as heretofore noted. On the 16th of Oc- tober, 1878, John S. Rogers and Luella W. Phipps, a native of Ohio, were united in marriage. As a result of their union, they are now the parents of two children -Horace B. and Gladys Fern. Mrs. Rogers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while Mr. R. is claimed as an honored member of the Bardolph lodge of the A. O. U. W.

A. B. Rogers, the junior member of the firm of Rogers Brothers, was born on the 23d of April, 1856, in Harrison county, Ohio. He became a resident of McDon- ough county in 1875, and followed agri- cultural pursuits until January 1, 1885, at which time he became a member of the present firm. A. B. Rogers and Anna Ritter, a native of McDonough county, and a daughter of William Ritter, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony on the 20th day of February, 1879. They are now the parents of two children- William R. and Clyde E. The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons claim him as an honored member. The Rogers Bros. are among the leading business men of Bushnell, and, as citizens, are highly re- spected.

J. M. Campbell, the veteran pioneer of the county, is the proprietor of the fancy goods, book, stationery and notion

store. It is operated principally by his sons, Mr. Campbell having, to a great extent, retired from active life. The stock is full and complete, much too large for the town, and they do a good business.

Nessel & Klein, who are engaged in carrying on a meat market, are the suc- cessors of Nessel Brothers, who estab- lished the business in 1869. These par- ties ran it until November 22d, 1882, when Mr. Klein became a member of the firm. The building they occupy, and their slaughter house are both owned by Conrad Nessel.

Conrad Nessel, of the above mentioned firm, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and was born on the 5th of February, 1845. He was reared and educated in his native country, where he also learned the shoemaking trade. In 1866, he came to America, located at Galesburg, Illi- nois, and worked at his trade. In July, 1868, he removed to McDonough county, and located at Bushnell, where he worked at his trade until 1869, then engaging in the butcher business. Starting in a small way, he built up a large trade, and has been eminently successful. With a lim- ited education, and relying on his own resources as he did, he certainly is wor- thy of much praise for his rapid advance- ment. On the third of June, 1868, Con- rad Nessel and Anna B. Kline, a daugh- ter of Peter Kline, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. Their union has been blessed with three children- Frank C., Katie E. and Anna M. Mrs. Nessel's father is one of the early set- tlers of McDonough county. Mr. Nessel is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal church, as is he also of the I.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. lodges, of Bush- nell.

Peter Klein, of the firm of Nessel & Klein, of Bushnell, is a native of Ger- many, and was born May 6, 1843. His father, Clemens Klein, was one of the early settlers of Bushnell, and was born in Germany, May 7, 1800. He came to America in November, 1853, and located at Pomeroy, Ohio, from whence he re- moved to Quincy, Illinois, in 1854, and, from there to Bushnell, in the winter of 1855. He was a tailor by trade, which occupation he followed up to the time of his death, which occurred January 2, 1869. He was married in Germany to Catherine Roeser, by whom he had two children, Peter being the only son. Mrs. Klein was born in Germany on the 14th of March, 1818, and is at present, a resi- dent of Bushnell, being in her 67th year. Peter Klein was reared on a farm, and received his education in this county. In 1861, he enlisted in company F, 43d Illi- nois infantry. He was commissioned second lieutenant, and served in the 15th army corps under General Steele, until September, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. After his discharge, he re- turned to Bushnell, and engaged as a rail- road laborer, but gradually worked him- self up until he was made roadmaster of the St. Louis division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad. He re- tained his position until November, 1882, when he became a member of the firm of Nessel & Klein. On the 23d of March, 1868, Peter Klein and Maria Slock, a native of Pennsylvania, were united in marriage. They are now the parents of three children-George C., Edward and Katie. Mr. K. is a member of the Ger-

man Methodist Episcopal church, as is he also of the Knights of Honor, Knights of Labor, I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R.

Among the grain dealers of McDon- ough county, probably the heaviest are S. A. Hendee & Co. In 1861, Stephen A. Hendee embarked in this line of busi- ness, and continued it until 1865. In 1869, he again engaged in it, and in 1880, when the present firm was formed by the admission of D. F. Chidester, the elevator at this place was built by them. This edifice, which is strongly and com- pactly built, is 42x66 feet upon the ground, and has a capacity of 27,000 bushels. Besides this building, they own elevators and do grain business at Col- chester, Bardolph, Swan Creek, Youngs- town, Roseville, Orion, Table Grove, Adair and Epperson. They do an im- mense business, using a capital of over $40,000 in their operations.

Among the prominent dealers in grain at this point, is Stockton West, who com- menced this business in 1859, in connec- tion with James Cole, as partner, and has followed that line, both with him and other partners, and alone ever since. He has been, also, identified with several mercantile firms in the town, as is noted in the histories of the different firms, and is one of the leading business men of the town, both enterprising and public spirited, and hence nearly always suc- cessful.

Among the leading business men of Bushnell,we will mention Stockton West, previously a dealer in grain and mer- chandise, but now dealing in grain, wood and coal, the second son of seven in suc- cession, of Charles and Rebecca (Sparks) West. He was born in Hunterdon

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

county, New Jersey, on the 26th day of July, 1817. His father was a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Mary- land. When Stockton was nearly three years of age, his parents emigrated to Dayton, Ohio, thus becoming an early settler of that section, but soon moved again to Hamilton county, about nine miles north of Cincinnati, where he was reared to manhood. At that time land could be bought at from five to nine dol- lars per acre. His father bought 80 acres. Some few acres were cleared, and some that was called "deadening," on which were cabins or buildings, for the stable and house. The house was built of logs, much too long for its size, some of the logs extending some three to four feet beyond the corners. The inner fin- ish was a puncheon floor, there being no saw mills in the country. The outside was ornamented with a horrible mud and stick chimney. But Mr. West's father was, no doubt, proud of his new home. His first ownership of land, inspired with hope and ambition, enabled him to add more acres, and build brick build- ings in place of the primitive logs. He lived to his 83d year. It was at this early home that Stockton made his first effort to help his father in his agricul- tural pursuits, consisting, chiefly, of clearing new land, and holding the plow among roots and stumps, But Mr. -West's father added coopering to his business, and Stockton become a me- chanic. He manufactured a great deal of the good timber, in which that county abounded, into vessels, to contribute to the Cincinnati pork business, then the largest in the world. In 1853, Mr. West moved to Dayton, and engaged exten-

sively in the coopering business, in con- nection with merchandising, which he continued for over two years, then came to Bushnell, in 1856, engaging in busi- ness, as heretofore mentioned. Mr. West has taken an active part in every- thing tending to the advancement of Bushnell's interests. He has been chosen three times to fill the office of mayor. In discharge of the important duties connected with that office, he gave entire satisfaction to the members of both political parties. Mr. West was united in marriage May 12, 1843, with Catherine Bevis, a native of Ohio. She died in June, 1849, in the 26th year of her age, leaving four children-Harriet, Alice, Martin, and Catherine. In March, 1850, Mrs. Mary Applegate, nee Stout, became the wife of Mr. West. As the result of this union, they are the parents of four children-Lewis, Thomas, Charles, and George. Mrs. West, by a former marriage, had two sons-Ira and Albert Applegate. Mr. West's life has been marked by a restless activity, and an energetic and enthusiastic devotion to whatever he has become interested in, and can look over his past life without any regrets of bad conduct.

The livery stable operated by John Roach is located on the corner of West Main and First streets. The main build- ing is 45x80 feet in size, with a shed 15x80 feet, in addition. It will accom- modate 65 head of horses. Mr. Roach makes a specialty of buying and selling this kind of stock, shipping large num- bers, besides managing the livery. The barn was erected in 1885.

John Roach, the accommodating and popular livery man of Bushnell, has

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY. 837

been carrying on his present business in that city about 10 years. He came to the county from Fulton county, Illinois, where he was born on the 29th of De- cember, 1844, and was engaged in farm- ing up to the time of his removing to Bushnell. He has been very successful in business, and now has one of the best livery barns in the county. His animals and rigs are always in good condition, and he takes especial pains to please his patrons, and is very accommodating. John Roach and Elizabeth Cunningham were united in the holy bonds of matri- mony in 1869. Their union has been blessed by three children, all of whom are still living at home with their par- ents. They are named, respectively- William T., Cornelius A., and John L.

J. M. Varner & Son are engaged in keeping a fine lunch room, which they started in February, 1882. In March, 1885, they suffered severely by fire, but their loss was largely covered by insur- ance.

John J. Varner, the junior and active member of the firm of J. M. Varner & Son, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania, on the 9th of June, 1854. His fa- ther, John M., is a native of Pennsyl- vania, being born in March, 1817. The family removed to Fulton county, Illi- nois, in 1857, and in 1867, came to Bush- nell, McDonough county, where the fa- ther engaged in the restaurant business. John learned the foundry trade in this city, and continued at the same until going into partnership with his father in the depot lunch room. They have been very successful in their enterprise, and are doing on an average, a business amounting to at least $7,000 per annum.

On the 7th of Septomber, 1879, John J. Varner, and Sophia Pettingill, a native of the state of Maine, were united in marriage. As a result of this union, they are now the parents of three child- ren, who are named, respectively-Chas., Clyde, and Roy. Mrs. Varner is a mem- ber of the Baptist church of Bushnell, while Mr. V., is a member of the A. F. and A. M., being at present one of the officers of the Bushnell lodge.

Henry D. Spaulding opened the Opera House restaurant on the 10th of Decem- ber, 1883, and has one of the finest fit- ted up places in this part of the county.

James Cole, one of the representatives of the banking business, established this in connection with his general merchan- dise trade in 1878, and has continued it ever since. He recently closed out his stock in trade, that he might enter into this line without being hampered with the other business, and which adds to the amount of capital at his disposal.

Ball and Sons' carriage and wagon manufactory, is one of the industrial in- stitutions of Bushnell. In the month of April, 1861, Ira D. Ball established a wagon shop at Bushnell, and his busi- ness kept constantly increasing and fin- ally drifted into its present large pro- portions. Mr. Ball has taken his four sons into partnership; and they carry quite a large stock of carriages and wag- gons, and have a very extensive trade. They manufacture on an average of 100 buggies per year, and employ 12 hands during the busy season. They are the owners of the property where they carry on their business, and have two reposito- ries, each 28x48 feet in dimensions, and and two stories high. In the back part

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

of each of their repositories, there is a blacksmith and wagon shop. They have invested in this business some $12,000.

It is not the province of the biographer to indulge in fulsome eulogy, but to pre- sent in faithful outline the history and character of the subject of this sketch. With this fact in view we may simply say that wherever true greatness is meas- ured by the benefits conferred by indi- viduals of the human race, the name of Ira D. Ball will be awarded a place among the prominent men of McDon- ough county. He is a native of Newark, New Jersey, and was born March 4, 1818. He was reared and educated in his native state, where he learned the trade of a millright. At the age of 19 years, he went to Newark, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for 10 years, then going to St. Louis, Missouri, here he remained for four and a half years. His next location was Hannibal, Missouri, where he engaged in business as a mem- ber of the firm of Snyner, Ball & Co., which partnership continued for four years. The three succeeding years he was a member of the firm of Fast & Ball, of Canton, Illinois. In 1861, he removed to Bushnell, and engaged in business as before mentioned. In the month of September, 1844, he was united in marriage with Anna Dean, a native of Pennsylvania. They are now the parents of nine children-Mary and Miriam, twins, Julia, George, Manford, Lydia, Carrie, Frank and James. The four boys are now engaged in business with their father.

The first blacksmith shop was insti- tuted by Augustus Downey, in 1856. He is still a resident of Bushnell, but not

actively engaged in the pursuit of his trade.

A man by the name of Clemens also engaged in the trade about the same time, but did not remain long.

John Leib, dealer in harness, saddles, whips, carriages, buggies, etc., is the leader in his line in Bushnell. The har- ness department was established by George Duncan, and in January, 1874, Mr. Leib became a partner in the busi- ness, which partnership continued until the following October, when Mr. Leib became the sole proprietor. He contill- ued the harness business until 1880, then adding a line of carriages, buggies, etc. He carries a $4,500 stock, and does a very extensive business, owning the building in which he conducts his enter- prise. The building is two stories in height, and is 26x60 feet in dimensions. He occupies the upper floor.

Mr. Leib is a native of York county, Pennsylvania, and was born November 1, 1848. He was reared and educated in his native county, where he learned the trade of a harness maker, following the same there until 1869, in which year he removed to McDonough county, Illinois, and located at Bushnell. He accepted a situation with Mr. Duncan, and contin- ued working for him until January, 1874, then buying an interest in the bus- iness, of which he is now the sole pro- prietor. John Leib and Addie Hay, a native of this state, were united in mar- riage in the month of December, 1876. As a result of this union, they are now the parents of two children-Flora and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Leib are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Leib is also a member of the A. F.

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY. 839

& A. M., and of the I. O. O. F., both subordinate and encampment.

James Cole purchased the first load of grain ever brought to this market to sell. It was wheat, and brought here by John C. Ross, who resided near Ver- mont. . Mr. Cole was also the first to buy cattle and hogs at this point.

E. H. Fehr leads the business as an . artistic sign painter. He also makes kalsomining and graining a specialty. He commenced operations in Rushnell, in 1877, and has won the confidence of those requiring this class of work done.

Among the many enterprises that have made Bushnell quite famous throughout this section of the state is the Agricul- tural and Mechanical association fairs, which are held here each year. A full account of this society and the various fairs has been given in chapter XVI, to which the reader is referred.

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History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 95

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150